Eligibility

The contest is open to participants who live within New England and who have not had a book traditionally published. Authors of self-published books, other venues (magazines or journals), or other genres (adult fiction or nonfiction) are eligible. Only unagented manuscripts will be considered. 

Contest Rules

• Submissions are limited to ONE excerpt per person, which may be either non-fiction or fiction. Text only, no illustrations. Please submit up to 25 pages of your manuscript

• No contact information should appear on the actual manuscript.

• Please include a separate cover letter with the author’s name, address, and phone number in the upper left corner. Author may include a brief bio and description of the story in this letter as well. 

• Convert both documents (story and cover letter) into two separate PDF files. Attach the PDF files to an email to Bostonauthorsclub2@gmail.com. Please put "YA Discovery Award Submission" in the subject line.

• A submission fee of $25 per manuscript is required; scroll down to submit payment.

• Excerpts accepted from January 1, 2022 to March 1, 2022 (11:59pm EST) only. The top five full manuscripts will be requested in April 2022, to be received by May 1, 2022 (11:59 pm EST) for further consideration.

• Winners will be notified by phone and email by the end of August 2022.

Prizes

First Place and Second Place winners will receive:

• their choice of a manuscript critique with agent Heather Cashman (Storm Literary Agency) or author Francisco Stork OR a conversation with author Erica Ferencik

• a one year membership to the Boston Authors Club (BAC)

• a feature interview in the BAC newsletter

• recognition at the Julia Ward Howe Award Celebration.

The Third Place winner will receive:

• a one year membership to the BAC

• a mention in the newsletter

• recognition at the Julia Ward Howe Award Celebration.